Recertification refers to the process of starting a new 5-year cycle. In order to be recertified and keep your CHES designation, you must complete the required 75 hours of CECH and be current with your renewal fees.

CHES who are due to recertify October 1st must have all continuing education requirements completed by September 30th; CHES who are due to recertify April 1st must have all continuing education requirements completed by March 31st.

Number of Hours to Maintain Certification from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC)

In order to maintain certification, a CHES and a MCHES must accumulate a minimum of 75 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) over the five year certification period. CHES are encouraged to accumulate a minimum of 15 CECH per year, and to complete all continuing education requirements at least 90 days prior to recertification. Category I (minimum of 45 hours).

Category I refers to continuing education that is preapproved by NCHEC. Of the 75 hours to be earned in a five-year period, at least 45 CECH must be earned by participating in Category I activities. You may choose to earn all of your CECH in Category I.

CHES/MCHES who have accumulated in excess of 75 CECH at the end of their current five-year certification cycle may carry over a maximum of 15 Category I CECH into their next five-year certification cycle. For MCHES, the CECH (entry or advanced) will carry over as entry-level credits only.

Category I activities are offered by 'designated providers.' A 'designated provider' is an organization that has demonstrated its ability to meet specific NCHEC criteria for offering CHES and MCHES responsibilities-related activities. Designated providers report all activities directly to NCHEC on a quarterly or semi-annual basis.

At the end of a Category I activity you will receive a certificate that includes a 'designated provider number' and an 'event number.' Keep this certificate as proof of your participation in the activity.